Customer Reviews

Power Shake Live

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Paladins have been defunct for several years now, with frontman Dave Gonzales now playing lead guitar for the Hacienda Bros. However, Rounder Records/Europe has come to the rescue of Paladins fans with a belated (circa '04) live recording from the band's appearance @ the "Kid's & Billie's" Festival in Holland. This double-disc CD puts the Paladin's previous live release ("Million Mile Club", now OOP) to shame, featuring a much better sound mix and lots more songs (22, in fact). The set includes a representative sampling of tunes from all of the band's 7 Studio albums, and the musicianship is fine throughout. Dave Gonzales has always sounded best "live" and he does nothing but enhance his rep as a great axman on this rockin' release. Dave also handles his vocals with his usual aplomb, but does hand off to bassist, Thomas Yearsley, for several numbers. Unfortunately, Tommy's singing ability seems to have dissapated in the intervening years between the band's heyday & '04. His turns at the mike are sloppy, off-time & frequently off-key. Not a major drawback, but noticeable, nevertheless. Several songs on the Album Liner Notes are "mistitled" ("Right Track" is called "Treat Me Right"; "Keep On Lovin' Me Baby" is called "Make Me Feel So Good") and one medley of tunes on disc two is listed out of order. Minor glitches! Overall, this unexpected release is a great surprise gift for fans of the band. Put it on & turn it up loud - you'll definitely enjoy it!

I have loved the Paladins for many years, with their earlier stuff for Alligator first catching my ear. It is GLORIOUS to see these guys jamming live in front of this festival crowd, cranking out their best, including the classic "Down At Big Mary's"! If you like blues, rockabilly, swing and R & B, all mixed together by power trio that means it, it's worth it. If you're a Paladins fan, you can't miss it!

Liberated by the Yankees, Nijmegen 1944. Amazing music, Nijmegen 2004.
In the best US tradition: great R&R/Americana/Rockabilly served by the Paladins. Hot and liberating!

I give them 5 stars because they are in fact, The Paladins. I was lucky enough to see them once, at Lee's Liquor Lounge in Minneapolis, and what a show it was. As I feel that this is a band you have to "see to believe", and while it is a great recording, it might not know the socks off of a 1st time listener. You may want to start with "Slippin' in","Palvoline No. 7" or "El Matador" first. Enjoy, I know you will.